Are you unsure whether to use “continue” or “keep” in your writing? It can be tricky to know which one is the right choice in different situations. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and provide some guidance on when to use each one.
Let’s define what each word means:
- Continue: to keep doing something without stopping or pausing
- Keep: to have or retain possession of something; to continue to have something
So, while both words involve the idea of continuing or maintaining something, they have slightly different connotations and uses. Let’s take a closer look.
Define Continue
Continue is a verb that means to persist in an activity or process, without interruption or cessation. It implies that the action or process that was started will be carried on until its natural conclusion, without deviation or interruption. It can also mean to resume an activity or process after a pause or interruption.
For example, if you are reading a book and you continue reading it, you are persisting in the activity of reading without interruption until you finish the book. If you stop reading the book and then resume reading it later, you are continuing the activity after a pause or interruption.
Continue can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as when referring to a trend or pattern that persists over time. For instance, you might say that a company’s profits have continued to increase over the past few years, meaning that the trend of increasing profits has persisted without interruption.
Define Keep
Keep is a verb that means to have or retain possession of something, or to maintain a particular state or condition. It can also mean to continue doing something that one has already started.
For example, if you keep a journal, you are retaining possession of the journal and regularly writing in it to maintain the state of having a record of your thoughts and experiences. If you keep your car well-maintained, you are taking steps to maintain the condition of the car so that it continues to function properly.
Keep can also be used to refer to the continuation of an action or process that has already been started. For instance, if you keep running after you have started, you are continuing the activity without interruption. Similarly, if you keep working on a project, you are continuing to work on it without stopping or deviating from the task at hand.
| Continue | Keep | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | To persist in an activity or process, without interruption or cessation. | To have or retain possession of something, or to maintain a particular state or condition. |
| Usage | Continuation of an activity or process without interruption or deviation. | Maintenance of possession, state, or condition; continuation of an activity or process that has already been started. |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words can make all the difference in conveying your message effectively. In this article, we will discuss the proper usage of the words “continue” and “keep” in a sentence.
How To Use “Continue” In A Sentence
The word “continue” is often used to indicate that an action or process is ongoing or will be resumed after a brief interruption. Here are some examples:
- She decided to continue with her studies despite the challenges.
- The game will continue after a short break.
- We need to continue working on this project until it’s complete.
It’s important to note that “continue” is often followed by a gerund (a verb ending in -ing), as seen in the examples above. This is because the action being continued is often ongoing and in progress.
How To Use “Keep” In A Sentence
The word “keep” is commonly used to indicate that something is being retained or maintained in a certain state or condition. Here are some examples:
- She likes to keep her house clean and organized.
- I need to keep my phone charged at all times.
- He promised to keep the information confidential.
It’s important to note that “keep” can also be used to indicate an ongoing action, similar to “continue.” However, “keep” often implies a sense of control or intentionality, whereas “continue” simply indicates that something is ongoing. For example:
- She kept walking even though her feet hurt.
- He kept trying until he finally succeeded.
Overall, understanding the proper usage of “continue” and “keep” can help you communicate your ideas more clearly and effectively in your writing.
More Examples Of Continue & Keep Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use “continue” and “keep” in sentences. By providing various examples, we hope to clarify the nuances between these two words and help you use them correctly in your writing.
Examples Of Using “Continue” In A Sentence
- He decided to continue his studies and pursue a PhD.
- The rain is expected to continue throughout the day.
- Despite the setbacks, we will continue with our plans to expand the business.
- She asked him to continue with the project while she was away.
- The company will continue to invest in research and development.
- He urged the team to continue working hard and not give up.
- She promised to continue supporting the charity even after she retired.
- The teacher asked the students to continue practicing their writing skills.
- The band will continue to tour Europe next year.
- He hopes to continue playing soccer professionally for a few more years.
Examples Of Using “Keep” In A Sentence
- Please keep the noise down, some people are trying to sleep.
- She always keeps a spare key in case she forgets her own.
- The doctor advised him to keep a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- He promised to keep the secret and not tell anyone.
- The company will keep the data confidential and secure.
- She likes to keep her workspace organized and tidy.
- He had to keep reminding himself to stay calm and focused.
- The museum will keep the exhibit open for another month due to popular demand.
- She decided to keep the painting and hang it in her living room.
- He always keeps a positive attitude even in difficult situations.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using “continue” and “keep” in English writing, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Continue” And “Keep” Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “continue” and “keep” interchangeably. While both words can indicate an ongoing action, they have slightly different meanings:
| Continue | Keep |
|---|---|
| To resume an action that was paused or interrupted | To maintain an action that is already happening |
For example, you would use “continue” to indicate that you are going to start jogging again after taking a break, while you would use “keep” to indicate that you are going to keep jogging without stopping.
Using “Keep On” Instead Of “Continue”
Another mistake people make is using “keep on” instead of “continue.” While “keep on” can be used to indicate an ongoing action, it is more commonly used to indicate persistence or insistence:
- “She kept on asking me questions even though I didn’t want to answer.”
- “He kept on trying until he finally succeeded.”
Using “continue” in these sentences would not be correct, as it does not convey the same meaning of persistence or insistence.
Offering Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Always consider the context in which you are using “continue” or “keep.”
- If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.
- Read your writing out loud to see if it sounds natural and conveys the intended meaning.
By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can improve your English writing and communicate more effectively.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “continue” and “keep,” the context in which they are used can play a significant role in determining which one is most appropriate. While these two words are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect their use.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Consider the following examples of different contexts and how the choice between “continue” and “keep” might change:
| Context | Example | Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Goal-oriented | “I want to continue my workout routine.” | Continue |
| State-oriented | “I want to keep my weight under control.” | Keep |
| Progress-oriented | “I want to continue making improvements.” | Continue |
| Maintenance-oriented | “I want to keep my car in good condition.” | Keep |
In goal-oriented contexts, “continue” is often the better choice because it implies the continuation of an action or behavior that is already in progress. For example, “I want to continue my workout routine” suggests that the speaker has already been working out and wants to keep doing so.
On the other hand, in state-oriented contexts, “keep” is often the better choice because it implies the maintenance of a particular state or condition. For example, “I want to keep my weight under control” suggests that the speaker wants to maintain a certain weight rather than make any specific changes.
In progress-oriented contexts, “continue” is again the better choice because it implies the continuation of progress that has already been made. For example, “I want to continue making improvements” suggests that the speaker has already made progress and wants to keep moving forward.
Finally, in maintenance-oriented contexts, “keep” is once again the better choice because it implies the maintenance of a particular object or system. For example, “I want to keep my car in good condition” suggests that the speaker wants to maintain the car’s current state rather than make any specific changes.
Overall, the choice between “continue” and “keep” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the subtle differences in their meanings and how they can affect their use, you can choose the right word for the situation at hand.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using continue and keep are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are a few examples:
1. When Used In Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a different meaning than the individual words used in the expression. In these cases, the rules for using continue and keep may not apply. For example:
- Keep your chin up
- Continue to keep your nose to the grindstone
In these expressions, keep and continue are used to convey a specific meaning that is different from their typical usage. In the first example, keep means to remain optimistic or positive, while in the second example, continue to keep means to persist in working hard.
2. When Used In Scientific Or Technical Contexts
In scientific or technical contexts, the rules for using continue and keep may be different. For example:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Continuity | The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time |
| Kept sample | A sample that is preserved in its original state for future analysis |
In these contexts, continue and keep are used to convey specific technical meanings that may not align with their typical usage in everyday language.
3. When Used In Legal Contexts
In legal contexts, the rules for using continue and keep may also be different. For example:
- Continuance
- Kept records
In these contexts, continue and keep are used to convey legal meanings that are specific to the context of the law.
While these exceptions may seem confusing, it is important to remember that language is always evolving and changing. As such, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest usage and context of words like continue and keep.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between continue and keep, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct word (continue or keep) to complete the following sentences:
- He decided to _______ running even though he was tired.
- She couldn’t _______ her eyes off the beautiful sunset.
- After a short break, they decided to _______ their journey.
- He promised to _______ the secret safe and not tell anyone.
- She couldn’t _______ her emotions and burst into tears.
Answer Key:
- continue
- keep
- continue
- keep
- keep
Exercise 2:
Write a sentence using the correct form of continue or keep to fill in the blank:
| Word | Sentence |
|---|---|
| continue | He decided to _______ studying even though he was tired. |
| keep | She couldn’t _______ her eyes off the beautiful painting. |
| continue | After a short break, they decided to _______ their journey. |
| keep | He promised to _______ the secret safe and not tell anyone. |
| keep | She couldn’t _______ her emotions and burst into tears. |
Explanations:
It’s important to note that while continue and keep can sometimes be used interchangeably, there are certain situations where one word is more appropriate than the other. For example, continue is often used when referring to an action that was paused or interrupted and then resumed. Keep, on the other hand, is often used when referring to maintaining a certain state or condition. By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of continue and keep in sentences.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances of “continue” and “keep,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts. “Continue” implies a continuation of an action or process that was already in progress, while “keep” suggests maintaining a certain state or condition.
It is important to note that using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the subtle differences between them and use them correctly in speech and writing.
Key Takeaways:
- “Continue” implies a continuation of an action or process that was already in progress
- “Keep” suggests maintaining a certain state or condition
- Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication
- Understanding the subtle differences between them and using them correctly is crucial for effective communication
As with any aspect of language use, there is always more to learn. We encourage readers to continue exploring the intricacies of grammar and language use to enhance their communication skills and improve their overall understanding of the language.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.